The council says this move will protect poor residents from running up "huge debts". Action has also been taken to block 50 of the most popular payday loan websites across council provided computers in the borough.

To make sure support is still there for those in need of financial help, Plymouth plan to promote credit unions as a viable and ethical alternative.

In a comment article, Plymouth councillor Chris Penberthy said:

We've taken a bold step. We believe the national regulators need to follow suit and get tough with this toxic industry. Payday lenders are exploiting vulnerable people.

Payday loan companies have also come under attack today from The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who vowed to build up Britain's network of credit unions to put controversial high interest lenders out of business.

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